Potassium silicate

Potassium silicate
Names
Preferred IUPAC name
Potassium metasilicate
Other names
Liquid glass
Waterglass
Identifiers
1312-76-1 
ChemSpider 59585 Yes
EC number 233-001-1
Jmol-3D images Image
PubChem 66200
Properties
Molecular formula
 K2O3Si
Molar mass 154.28 g·mol−1
Appearance White crystals
Hazards
EU classification Corrosive (C), Irritant (Xi)
R-phrases R34, R37
S-phrases (S1/2), S13, S24/25, S36/37/39, S45
NFPA 704
Flammability code 0: Will not burn. E.g., water Health code 1: Exposure would cause irritation but only minor residual injury. E.g., turpentine Reactivity code 0: Normally stable, even under fire exposure conditions, and is not reactive with water. E.g., liquid nitrogen Special hazards (white): no codeNFPA 704 four-colored diamond
0
1
0
Related compounds
Other anions
 Potassium carbonate
Potassium germanate
Potassium stannate
Potassium plumbate
Other cations
 Sodium silicate
Except where noted otherwise, data is given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C (77 °F), 100 kPa)
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Infobox references

Potassium silicate is a water-soluble and glass-forming silicate salt of general formula K2SiO3 with many common uses for at least a century.

Synthesis

it can be synthesized in the laboratory by reacting Potassium Hydroxide with Silicon Dioxide with stirring at 90 °C following this Reaction

n SiO2 + 2 KOH → K2O•nSiO2 + H2O

Uses

Woodwork protection against fire

Impregnation of wood with a potassium silicate solution is an easy and low cost way for rendering the woodwork of houses secure against catching fire. The woodwork is first saturated with a diluted and nearly neutral solution of potash silicate. After drying, one or two coats of a more concentrated solution are usually applied.[1]

Horticulture

In horticulture, potassium silicate is used as a soluble source of potassium and silicon. It makes the growing medium more alkaline.

Industrial uses

Some metal cleaning formulations use potassium silicate, which also serves as a corrosion inhibitor.[2] It also finds various uses in the fabrication of welding rods or even of cosmetics.

See also

References

  1. ↑ Cobleigh, Rolfe (1909). Handy farm devices and how to make them. Part II: Worth knowing to render wood fireproof. New York: Orange Judd.
  2. ↑ Elmore AR (2005). "Final report on the safety assessment of potassium silicate, sodium metasilicate, and sodium silicate". Int. J. Toxicol. 24 (Suppl 1): 103–17. doi:10.1080/10915810590918643. PMID 15981734.

External links